Advertisement

Hurricane Fly takes Istabraq Hurdle

The 2011 Champion Hurdle winner and Ruby Walsh had a routine victory on the final day of the Leopardstown Festival.

Ruby Walsh (far left) and trainer Willie Mullins (far right) today. Credit: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

HURRICANE FLY EASED to victory in the Istabraq Festive Hurdle on the final day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

With Ruby Walsh onboard, the Willie Mullins-trained hurdler justified his 1/5 favourite status by seeing off the challenge of Unaccompanied, Thousand Stars and Captain Cee Bee.

The 2011 Champion Hurdle winner got into a good position alongside stablemate Thousand Stars but made a move at the head of the straight and won by a margin of seven lengths.

He could have done no more. He got a lead and quickened when he had to. He’s settling better with age,” Mullins told The Racing Post.

Here’s your ‘Simon Zebo groped by Peter O’Mahony’ pic of the day

After the gold rush: McKillop won’t be defined by London HD glory

Close